Research in the Institute concentrates on four main areas and their interrelationships:

CoastalEcology focuses on nearshore and estuarine ecological interactions important for living marine resources and environmental quality.

Coastal Geoscience emphasizes coastal processes, geomorphology, climatology, and hydrology as they affect the use and development of watersheds, the coastal plain, barrier islands, and aquatic systems.

Social Science and Coastal Policy examines politics and public policy, natural resource economics, coastal hazards, tourism, and demographic and social behaviors as they relate to coastal resources management.

Maritime Studies identifies cultural and historical dimensions of coastal resources with an emphasis on maritime history, nautical archaeology, and the role of maritime cultural heritage in coastal use and development.